The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has threatened to disconnect power-generating companies (GenCos) from the national grid if they fail to implement the Free Governor Control across their generating units.
The order referenced NERC/2025/094 and signed on August 26, 2025, by the commission’s Vice-Chairman, Mr Musiliu Oseni, and the Commissioner for Legal, Licensing and Compliance, Dafe Akpeneye, will take effect on September 1, 2025.
Free Governor Control is a mode of operation in power generation where the governor of a turbine or generator is allowed to freely adjust the output in response to changes in grid frequency. This control mode enables the generator to contribute to grid stability by automatically increasing or decreasing output to match demand and maintain frequency within acceptable limits.
NERC ordered that any GenCo that fails to comply with the integration and activation of FGC on all generating units by November 30, 2025, will be liable to a penalty of a prorated 10 per cent of the invoice associated with the defaulting generating unit, and any generating unit that records 90 consecutive days of FGC non-compliance shall be disconnected from the grid.
The regulator said the measure was necessary to stem repeated system disturbances and enforce strict compliance with the Grid Code, noting that the order seeks to establish a structured framework for enhancing power generation reliability and stability of Nigeria’s power grid by ensuring strict compliance with operational frequency limits, implementing transparent monitoring mechanisms, and penalties for violations of the Grid Code.
NERC said it is mandated by section 34(1)(e) of the Electricity Act 2023 to ensure the safety, security, reliability, and quality of service in the production and delivery of electricity to consumers, while section 34(2)(b) of the Act empowers it to establish or approve operating codes and standards to ensure safety, security, reliability, and quality in the production and delivery of electricity services in the NESI.
The regulator reminded operators that section 12.6.2 of the Grid Code requires every generating unit to be fitted with a fast-acting governor system capable of regulating turbine speed and adjusting output when frequency deviates.
NERC recalled that the national grid experienced eight incidents of grid disturbances in 2024, which resulted in five full system failures and three partial system failures, blaming the GenCos.
“The incident reports filed by the Transmission Company of Nigeria Plc identified non-compliance with the provisions of the Grid Code by some generation companies as contributory factors. The performance review of the operations of grid-connected GenCos in 2024 revealed that there was significant failure on the activation of FGC,” the NERC noted.
The order, it was said, is to ensure the mandatory deployment and activation of FGC in all generating units to enhance the reliability of power generation and stability of grid operations and to ensure GenCos’ compliance with sections 12.6.2 and 15.8.3 of the Grid Code for the Nigerian Electricity Transmission System on FGC.
On the consequences for non-compliance, the regulator declared, “Any GenCo that fails to comply with the provisions of sections 12.6.2 and 15.8.3 of the Grid Code on the integration and activation of FGC on all generating units by 30 November 2025 shall be liable to a penalty of a prorated 10 per cent of the invoice associated with the defaulting generating unit for the duration during which it was not operated with its FGC activated, that is, FGC non-compliant.
“Where a generating unit records 90 consecutive days of FGC non-compliance, the affected generating unit shall be disconnected from the grid. Reconnection shall only occur after NISO has certified the unit as fully compliant with the requirements of the Grid Code.
“NISO shall be responsible for determining non-compliance by defaulting GenCos and implementing penalties on the invoice and settlement of the affected GenCo. NISO shall handle the billing, payment processing, and dispute resolution for this penalty in accordance with Rules 28 and 29 of the Market Rules. NISO shall invoice defaulting GenCos the specified penalty amount as part of the monthly market settlement. The proceeds of the penalty shall be remitted to the Ancillary Service Account,” the circular read.